Modal verb
The modal verb should
should · never changes
A2Meaning: to say that something is a good idea; to say what you expect · Type: modal
Key points to remember
- Modal of advice:
should + base form - Meaning: what is a good idea to do (softer than must)
- One form for everyone:
I/you/he/she/we/they should - Negative:
should notorshouldn't
Conjugation of the modal verb should
Modal verbs never change: the same form for I / you / he / she / it / we / they, no -s in the 3rd person, and no to before the next verb.
Affirmative
subject + should + base form
- You should rest.
- She should study more.
Negative
subject + should not / shouldn't
- You shouldn't eat so fast.
- He shouldn't worry.
Question
should + subject + base form?
- Should I call her?
- Should we wait?
To criticise or regret something in the past: should have + past participle (You should have told me).
How to use should
1. Giving advice
Use should to say that something is a good idea.
- You should drink more water.
- She should study more.
2. Saying what you expect
Should can also mean that something is probably true, or will probably happen.
- It should be easy.
- They should arrive soon.
3. Criticism about the past: should have + past participle
You should have called me means you didn't call, and that was a mistake.
- You should have called me.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Should ≠ must
Should = advice (you are free to follow it or not). Must = strong obligation. You should rest (advice). You must rest (obligation).
2. You should called me ❌
For regret or criticism about the past, use should have + past participle: I should have studied more (I didn't, and I'm sorry). When people speak, they often say should've.
3. You should to go ❌
There is no to after should: You should go ✓ / You should to go ✗.
Going further
Conjugating to should is a key skill in the English contest
Every year, the Big Challenge tests the key English verbs. Register your students so they can check their level in a real contest.
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Related pages: should
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Frequently asked questions
How do you use should?+
Should is the modal verb for advice: you should + the base form of the verb. You should drink more water. (It is a good idea.) It is softer than must, which is for obligation.
What is the difference between should and must?+
Should = advice: you are free to do it or not. Must = strong obligation. You should study. (It's a good idea.) You must study. (You have no choice: your parents or teachers say so.)
What does should have mean?+
Should have + past participle is for regret or criticism about the past. You should have called me. (You didn't call, and that was a mistake.) I shouldn't have eaten that. (I ate it, and now I'm sorry.)
What is the short form of should not?+
Shouldn't (pronounced /ˈʃʊdnt/). You shouldn't worry. This short form is very common, especially when you speak.
Should or ought to: what is the difference?+
They mean almost the same. Should is more common and simpler. Ought to is more formal. You should go = You ought to go. When people speak, they usually say should.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/should
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.